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| - My girlfriends and I decided to come to DEQ for after-work drinks. All of us had heard great things about this bar and were very excited to try it out. Some FYI's before the review begins:
1. There is another bar (Toca) which is right near the entrance, but you will immediately see that it is not as cozy nor intimate as DEQ and is substantially smaller (almost situated in some corner room).
2. To get to DEQ, walk straight past the entrance. Outdoor patio seating is very hard to come by and there are no reservations allowed, except for weekend tea service. When you arrive, you can tell the bar hostess you would like to be put on a waiting list for outdoor tables.
Intro. This was my first time at the Ritz and already I am very impressed. I will have to agree with Jennifer M. on many things, including the STELLAR service. I had my door opened by the doorman with a smile and I was led by a hostess to where DEQ was. Then, the DEQ hostess, who immediately greeted me regretted to inform that there was a 10 table waiting list for outdoor patio, but I could choose a very comfortable booth chair for privacy. Total LOVE for the Ritz.
Food. I unfortunately came here hungry so the menu is definitely not for dinner, but rather, plates for sharing. The greedy eater I was, I ordered two plates that would normally count for sharing all for myself *shame*: The Cheese Boutique and the Salmon Salad. Both were great and our wonderful server explained everything in detail. My other girl friends had flat breads and both said were absolutely delicious.
I am a champagne girl so I had my Veuve, but the wine list carries a broad selection of whites and reds and at a reasonable price. Towards the end the night, I felt something sweet like a Moscato and asked our server if they had a good one she could suggest. She then brought out a lovely Moscato d'Asti (lightly frizzante which is the best way to end your meal) and even gave me the option of sampling before she poured a full glass.
It bears to mention again that the service was great, great, andddd great. Our waitress was very knowledgeable about wine and food (none of this I don't know followed by awkward stare and silence). Service was never intrusive but every time my friends or I wanted to order, it was as if she could read our minds and there she was!!! Then, a gentleman in suit (the head manager of the bar?) came over to thank us as we were paying our bill and to say that he looked forward to having us again.
Ambiance. DEQ bar is very cozy. They have a fireplace with love chairs and at the other end of the room, tables for two and four. Although we could not sit outside, the patio is very nice and large. Definitely coming back (earlier) to try and snag a coveted patio seat. Guests inside the bar were a mix of young and old. Hard to explain; Not a snobby crowd, but guests who clearly had money to order glasses and glasses of champagne. Understated elegance.
I already have plans to come back to DEQ with my mom soon. We want to try out the spa so will do a spa and lunch date - stay tuned for that review. All in all, DEQ is a wonderful change to the bar scene. The management for the Ritz Toronto location have done a superb job in training staff to deliver the Ritz brand of service. If you have time to pop by for drinks before or after any engagement, let DEQ be your next destination. You will NOT be disappointed.
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